How to Decide on What Car Fog Lights to Get A complete guide to car fog lights
Fog, extreme weather or darkness compounded by bad weather like snow can make driving really hard, even for experienced drivers. When driving in such low visibility, it is vital to know how to stay safe. Fog lights seem to cause some confusion with motorists in regards to what they are, how they work,and when to use and not use them.
What are Car Fog Lights?
All you need to know about vehicle fog lights
Fog lights are lights present in your car either at the front or rear, and they are aimed low to light the road better. Unlike regular headlights which can cause glare when used in foggy weather. They are used when visibility is severely limited either due to fog or other conditions. They are entirely separate from the car's headlights. Fog lights have a distinctive beam shape that is flat and wide and are placed low on the car either on the front or back bumper. The beams cut through the fog and illuminate the road well enough for the driver to stay on the road and in the right lane. Fog lights can also be used in extremely dusty or sandy conditions. Fog lights are a safety feature present in all cars.
Factors to consider when getting fog lights
·The light's design - Most models are round, square or rectangular but there can be other oddly shaped lights available. Getting the right shape to ensure it will fit well.
·The color emitted by the light - Most lights are yellow as it is gentler and will not distract the other driver. Bright white lights are favorable because they have better illumination bet can cause more glare. There are blue fog lights, but they are mainly found in sports cars.
·The installation process - The brackets, shape, design and general characteristics of the lights will determine how easy it is to mount the lights.
·The price-The fog light kit or bulb you choose has to fit into your budget. LEDs are the most expensive followed by HIDs than halogens.
·The quality of the kit/ bulb - Opt for a good quality light that will not only give you excellent service but also last longer and save you some money. Be careful not to choose low-quality lights while trying to save some money; you might incur other costs later.
·The lumens-The lumens affect the type of beam emitted by the light. This is important as it will determine how far the light can shine and how well it will illuminate the road surface.
·The durability of the light - How well the light can handle shock and vibration is a key factor to consider. Getting a strong light will save you a lot on repair costs and avoid unexpected failures. The lifespan of the light is also a durability factor to consider. When of good quality and taken care of well, LEDs last the longest followed closely by HIDs and finally halogens, which have the shortest lifespan.
·The type of light bulb the fog light uses - The choice here is mainly between LEDs, HIDs, and halogens. Eachi bulb has its pros and cons. Once you know what these are you can go fo the bulb that best suits your needs.
·The energy efficiency of the light -This will depend on the type of bulb used in the light.The most energy-saving bulbs are LEDs followed by HIDs and finally halogens.
·How quickly it lights up - This is also dependent on the bulb used. LEDs light up the fastest followed by halogens and then HIDs.
Do all cars have fog lights?
Yes,all vehicles have rear fog lights. With the technological advancement in car lights technology,front fog lights seem obsolete, but rear ones are mandated by law to be present in your car. Front fog lights are optional and are often just a styling feature. They can be installed if the owner sees it fit.
Which lights should be used when driving in fog?
Ideally,fog lights should be used as they are made for this reason. Many vehicles come preinstalled with fog or driving lights. They are mounted low and aimed at the ground in front of the car as far as possible. The main difference between fog and driving lights is how they project their light. Fog lights can be clear or yellow, but driving lights are clear. Fog light beams are flat to reduce reflection and glare while being wide enough to light up the sides of the road so you can see curbs, rails, or road markings. Driving lights, on the other hand, are bright spotlights made to shine further than regular headlights. Either of these lights can be used in foggy conditions depending on which ones are equipped in your car because they will perform better than headlights.
Restrictions on the use of fog lights?
Due to the strength of fog beams, most areas have banned their usage unless in extreme conditions.When used in regular driving conditions,they may blind oncoming drivers or distract them with their light patterns. This can result in accidents. As soon as the fog or mist dissipates, drivers should switchback to using their headlights. You risk of being fined if you use fog lights in normal visibility. Fog lights are turned on by first turning on the ignition and switching on the head and tail lights. These have to be on low beam so that the fog lights work. Find the inner ring of the light controls and turn it to the symbol of fog lights. Then twitch the control lever, and this turns on the lights.Once you are done using them do not forget to turn them off.
